#35 - Building a Healthier Oklahoma with the Oklahoma State Medical Association

Oklahoma faces serious health care challenges, including shortages of physicians and nurses, limited access in rural communities, high rates of chronic illness, a large uninsured population, and inadequate access to mental health and substance-use services. Rural hospitals and clinics are especially vulnerable because of staffing shortages, limited funding, long travel distances, and the risk of closure. In this episode of Connected by Health, host Dr. Krishna Vedala spoke with Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) leaders Dr. Julie Strebel and Dr. Sumit Nanda about efforts to improve access, support physicians, and advocate for policies that benefit patients across the state.

A major focus of the conversation was Medicaid. Dr. Nanda emphasized that Medicaid is a vital source of coverage for children, young adults, expectant mothers, and other disadvantaged residents, with approximately half of Oklahoma children relying on the program. He described Medicaid as both a humanitarian responsibility and an economic investment because healthier residents are more likely to work, contribute to the tax base, and support economic growth. Dr. Strebel added that OSMA is concerned about the increased administrative costs associated with managed care and supports efforts to reduce unnecessary expenses so more funding reaches patients and providers.

The speakers also discussed the serious threat facing rural hospitals and health care access. Many rural facilities are at risk of closure, which would affect not only patient care but also local employment and community stability. OSMA supports maintaining Medicaid funding, strengthening physician loan-repayment programs, increasing residency funding, and encouraging physicians to practice in rural Oklahoma. The speakers warned that hospital closures could lead to physician shortages, population loss, and a broader decline in the state's health care infrastructure.

Behavioral health, telehealth, and insurance reform were also key topics. OSMA supports improved access to mental health and substance-use treatment, stronger enforcement of mental health parity, and permanent payment parity for telehealth services. The organization is also working to reduce prior-authorization requirements, inappropriate insurance clawbacks, delayed payments, and downcoding practices that can discourage physicians from treating vulnerable patients. According to the speakers, these administrative barriers increase costs and delay care, par